Ten Tips for Small Gardens

May 05, 2010

by Helen Halpenny Lanark County Master Gardeners

You folks who live in apartments, condos or houses with small yards need not be deterred from having an attractive garden. With careful planning, you can enjoy the outdoor space at least three seasons of the year. The first step is to consider your location. How many hours of sun does your yard get? Even a north-facing garden can be great if you choose plants that suit. Is wind a consideration? If so, opt for lower-growing sturdy-stemmed varieties. Is the soil naturally wet or dry? Is it acidic or sweet? All these conditions will dictate the plants you choose.

Next, consider your surroundings: the style and colour of your dwelling, fencing and other hard landscape features. Choosing pots that fit in with your surroundings will please the eye. Choose plant material that is in scale with the size of your balcony or backyard. A floribunda rose that is chosen as a specimen plant in an acre lot looks itty-bitty, but on your balcony it may be perfect in size. Do pick plants that reflect your personal style and taste. It’s your garden and you should have your favourite things in it.

Consider the time and desire you have to garden and choose easy-to-care-for plants. Start small and add to your garden as you acquire the time and skill to look after it.

Plan before you go to the nursery so you won’t be tempted by blooming beauties that are fabulous for a week and nothing but green the rest of the year. Aim to have interest in at least three seasons, no matter how small your garden is. Variegation in leaf colour and variety of leaf size are important. Early, mid-season and late bloomers will ensure colour throughout the growing season. Evergreens, grasses and shrubs and trees with interesting bark will help to provide fall and winter interest.

Grow vertically. Vines, columnar trees and shrubs take up very little ground space. Vines are particularly useful to create shade and privacy for sitting areas.

No matter how small your outdoor space you can have tubs, window boxes, urns or troughs. Even some veggies are happy in pots. Daily watering and frequent fertilization will be necessary to produce lush growth and profuse flowering. Be sure to use a suitable soil mix.

Lastly, try something new. There are wonderful new varieties in the market place just waiting for you to take them home and provide them with the light, water, nutrients they crave. In return, they will provide hours of pleasure and compliments from your friends.

All your gardening questions can be submitted and answered on our website at www.lanarkmastergardeners.mgoi.ca